Sep 23
The Belated Match Report + Boro Preview
Ok, so here’s the report that I got down to pen. Let me cut to it right away without much fuss.
Read on after the jump.
Manchester United went to Stamford Bridge with far greater desire than they could muster at Anfield the week before. All the pre-match prattle, Fergie’s mood etc, pointed towards a desire to get something from the game. One could say that, despite all the media hoo-haa about a defeat destroying our chances at the title, we would have taken a draw before the game started considering the way we have been playing, as well as the way Chelsea have been so far. I would have taken a draw if it was offered to me before the game.
But after having seen the game I wouldn’t say the same. While it was a fair result, (and we could have lost it had it not been for the profligacy of Anelka and Joe Cole) I had the feeling that, like against Liverpool, we somehow switched off our urge to attack and asked the opposition to score a goal.
First things first though. Eyebrows were raised at the team selection, but the only selection I disagreed with was the choice of Neville over Brown. I thought for a game like this, Brown, having sat out the Villarreal game, would have more energy than Neville. I still stand by that belief: Brown deserved to start on Sunday.
Fergie got the midfield spot on though. Everyone in midfield (bar Scholes — but Scholes would find time on the ball anyway) was tailor made for the high work rate of Chelsea’s midfield. It was the substitutions subsequently that I thought the boss got wrong. That was where Chelsea went on the offensive and managed to bypass our midfield.
The first part of the game was breathtaking stuff, and made me very happy. We zipped the ball around, and in a move that involved Berbatov, Evra and Rooney we scored our first goal to go 1-0 up.
The midfield was up for whatever challenge Chelsea had to throw at us until Fergie decided to bring on O’Shea — that move never made sense to me.
Regarding Tevez’s exclusion it was terribly unfair on the lad, but then again, I’m sure Fergie would have brought him on if EVDS hadn’t gone off injured.
I mentioned yesterday about some players standing out for me and I will talk a little more about them.
Park Ji-Sung: I love the Korean and I felt bad for him when a lot of the United support seemed to care less for him in his debut season. He brings a lot more into the team and can run for you all day. And night. He wasn’t even fully fit on Sunday, but he ran himself to the ground. Full marks, or whatever, to him. He was what we missed at Anfield.
Darren Fletcher: I’ll say it and say it out loud. This man is a revelation this season. He has always been good in the big games, but boy can he run. He makes more forward runs into the box than any midfielder has done for us so far. He could have become an instant star had he moved to Everton. But thank God he’s here. We need more Fletchers in our side.
Owen Hargreaves: Again, another semi-fit midfielder entrusted with the unenviable task of keeping a rampaging Chelsea full back in check. The moment Park and he were moved away from the wings, we got to see their full backs make runs in more advanced positions. Shielded Neville at times. Great job Owen. We need you at the peak of your powers. The question is, can you stay 100% fit for long?
And I will make a special mention to an assured Jonny Evans who looked unperturbed by the magnitude of the occasion. Drogba has a history of giving nightmares to young defenders. Perhaps the Ivorian wasn’t fully fit, or perhaps Anelka was pretty crap. But I wouldn’t take credit away from the Norn. Irishman.
Of course, I have to say, for the millionth time, that we would have been battered had it not been for Rio Ferdinand. He’s a giant in the dressing room by now, I’m sure. He hates losing, and he was right angry with our conceding of a goal. No one, and I repeat, no one at the moment is as peerless in defending than him in England at the moment. I just love the lad.
Regarding the substitutions, EVDS’s was unfortunate but bringing on O’Shea was something I couldn’t fathom. We had two outfield substitutions, and bringing Scholes off for Ronaldo and Park off for Tevez ought to have done it. If not, then Neville off for Brown would have been the right way to have gone about it.
And word on the refereeing: if I was the most conservative I would say three to four cards at the most. Ronaldo should have got a card for the theatrical dive and not for pointing a finger at the ref. I just couldn’t understand some of the stuff the referee was doing. I wouldn’t cry conspiracy or call him a prat, but I would call his officiating curious.
And finally, that boy Rooney. He started well but if the midfield, in the form of Scholes, fades then he was forced to forage for the ball in midfield and drop back. We saw him lose his head and saw the resulting free kick, but it would be unfair to pin the blame on him because we were asking for a goal with the countless set piece opportunities we already presented Chelsea with. But, barring the first half, he was decidedly off colour. I fear for him, but I want to really pass my judgement on him when I see him functioning with a midfield that can orchestrate play beyond twenty minutes. Or when he’s running at full pelt with a 100% Ronaldo in tow.
So what did we learn from the last 7-8 days? That the Anfield defeat was the more disappointing result. That the fitness levels are not yet up to the mark because of a spate of injuries that had afflicted the club already. And that we need someone who can play in midfield and not give the ball away cheaply, while also dictating play. And the sad thing is, Scholes can’t seem to be able to do it for the 90 minutes while Carrick is out injured.
However, I think I am confident with the boss’s claim that we’ll be “fine” by October. But a part of me asks the question “how?”.
Today we play Middlesbrough in a Carling Cup game. I can’t be too bothered to preview it, but I’d like to see the likes of Possebon getting a look in. My predictions for that: 2-0 to the Reds. Feel free to discuss about my late late match report — if there is anything left to discuss about it. But otherwise you could continue talking about Boro.
Come on you reds!!!
Related items from Red Rants:- United 4-0 Wigan: The Goals Are Coming!
- Man Utd 2-0 Chelsea (FT) : Tevez, Saha Score
- Update on Red Rants
- Moscow, we’re going to Moscow!
- Reds vs Spurs: 26 Aug, 2007 4pm BST
Tags: Match Reports
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:16
We invited pressure on to ourselves through our lack or midfield and attacking.
It could have been so much more.
Did anyone notice the long ball seems to be creeping back in to our game?!
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:18
RR - I agree with you completely on most of the points you made. I was incandescent with rage with the way we showed up (or failed to show up) for the Liverpool match and to be honest this pattern of ours to try to get an early goal against the big teams and then sit back and defend for the rest of the match is really getting on my nerves now. I will admit that I would’ve taken a draw before the game but at the same time I didn’t think we would do very well against Chelsea for the simple fact that at the moment, Chelsea are a team that are high on confidence whereas we are low on confidence - at the moment.
I think that with the injuries and the international breaks early in the season and the fact that we had to face Liverpool and Chelsea so early has made it a little harder for us to find our feet. Once we get a good run of games under our belt we’ll be fine, I hope.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:30
Very nice article
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:30
I think the Boro game will be very interesting actually. Boro will put out a good side, and Fergie has promised giving Park, Hargo, Ronaldo and (perhaps Berba?) other not-yet-fully-fit players a run out. In any case, we’ll have a very strong bench for sure, and with Manucho still injured we’re bound to see atleast two of our top three strikers right?
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:44
It would probably not a bad thing to play Berbatov who is clearly not fit and needs games, and Rooney who is off colour in a 4-4-2.
This would give them both a chance of playing together in a non priority cup game, I know all cups are important but this surely is the least, so the pressure is off.
Also the fans who have to pay £41 to go tonighr get their rewards to see Berbatov on his home debut, give something back to the fans.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:45
For the boro match is going to be very intresting with the likes of teves, nani, andy, park,possebon, da silva etc the squart will look very young and promising.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:47
Hi guys! I’m a die-hard manu fans from HK, firstly, please forgive my bad english! I love reading RR everyday and most of your comments are really interesting & very constructive!
Just like the match of liverpool we got an early goal in SB, and the rest of the match i just can’t keep my heart stop beating so fast! We are a strong team despite with injuries, suspension or unfitted players, so why drawing back and invite our opponents push so much pressure on the back! We don’t need to play such conservative football! I seriously doubted if VDS was really serious injured in the match, I’m sorry to feel that but VDS confidence was really questioned by me in recent matches, I watched a scene from tv that rio like also questioning VDS if he really choose retiring from the match. If not, I’m sure Tevez should get the chance in 2nd half! I’m not going to argue SAF to make G. Neville in 1st team over Brown but obviously GN was running out of energy in the 2nd half, so why not SAF bringing Brown out asap? Although the goal we conceded not GN’s responsiblity, but I really don’t want him or SAF to be the scapegoat when it wasn’t too late to make a substitution! Lastly, the most worried me is the lost of Queiroz, SAF seems making some weired formation or changes during the match, I can’t figure it out why anderson even not named on the bench, he have so much energy putting into our midfield, finger crossed he definitely better than O’Shea!
Like what u guys said! Come on you reds!
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:40
Not sure if it’s been mentioned yet, but Fabio is injured:
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:03
hey guys…telecast in india on which channel anyone? thanks ppl
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:13
great article. does anyone know if tonights match will be on tv at all? only i remember this time last year we played coventry in the first round and it wasn’t on tv at all. needless to say i want a better performance than last year even if we do put a bunch of 12 year olds out.
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:25
Red Ranter
Fergie had to bring on O’shea as it was his only holding centre mid option he had on the bench. As soon as Hargo was shifted into the middle, as a result of Ronaldo coming in for Scholes, Neville was exposed time and time again.
That’s why he needed to move Hargo back onto the Right as extra cover for both the Coles.
And I don’t remember seeing Ando’s name on the bench otherwise he could have certainly been a good option to throw in instead of O’shea.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:50
United assistant Mike Phelan later stated that Manucho was indeed in the squad to face Boro.
“Manucho is in a squad of 20,” said Phelan.
“We shall get down to the nitty gritty tomorrow and pick a team.”
from skysports.com
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:54
is this match on TV in India ?????????
any Indians please help
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:26
@Stephen: A lot of the tickets for the M’Boro game were priced £19 and £24. So should be a fairly good crowd tonight
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:28
@Will: Oh yes, I hope he gets at least some part in the game. Looking forward to see Manucho in action.
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:31
@MoYa: No excuse really MoYa, because Tevez WAS on the bench, and should have been brought on, because he could have done Hargo’s job on the right, and clattered both the Coles
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:31
@Craig Mc: Superb matey, shuld be a good game, be good if the Angolian Pele could get a run out
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:35
Bond:Dude check this site ,
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:45
Bond: well the site is http://www.justin.tv BTW “Groggy”good to have you back mate, I was just stunned with the number of comments on yesterday’s article then as i went through the threads i found out our pal Groggy was back and BTW Grog where the hell were you all these days?????
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:13
It would be great to see Possebon ce soir, to me he could be the future of our midfield. We don’t have a natural sitting midfielder and hopefully if he shines he could solve that problem.
I feel it would be good for Rooney to play ideally from the start, I have certainly been critical of him but am a big fan of his bigf he plays with his heart and for his wallet like a lot of players and I believe he does love the club. His form and goals have not been good, but us getting on his back does not help, if he plays well tonight (if and to be honest probably not) it could give him confidence.
Brown is a worry, has he upset Fergie? I don’t know but the moment he nearly took Bollacks leg off, he should have been withdrawn as was already on a yellow, I hope he plays on Saturday, pleeeeaaase!
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:31
@Craig Mc: @Stephen: Not that I understand all this Manucho hype - really, guys, he ain’t going to be the next Pele or even the next Drogba - but he’s out with a metatarsal injury tonight.
Guess his legend will have to continue to grow in the absence of anyone seeing him kick a ball for the first team…
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:35
what an aticle RR,i will also accept draw before the match but during the match i have confidence that we can come out with 3 point but with SAF sub we got a draw out it,well what a match. as per tonight,fergie should start those guys berba,rooney,tevez,ronaldo and see how they can play together,change thier position during the match and see how they can cope with it to prepare for the future.
i will say it is 2-o for united.we are winning.
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:38
Anyone know if the Boro game is being aired in India? If so, what channel?
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:43
when will the lineups for the ‘boro game be released?
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:47
@Penguin: Ha Ha I was joking, I am also a Manucho sceptic.
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:52
I got it. The match is being aired in India on Zee sports at 12.30am.
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:59
Wasn’t brown having some injuries that made Alex chose Neville in the starting XI ?
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:07
stepehen and penguin, cant wait for when manucho will get his chance and prove all of you wrong.
RR great article, still believe it was more of a point earned than two lost. SB is a fortress.
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:31
@Penguin: Penguin, don’t be so feckin sanctamonious Bro :roll:. MAN-U-Cho was very good in the African nations cup, I enjoyed watching this guy play. Who mentioned anything about being the new Pele?. I just want to see what (or if) he can perform for us, and I see nothing wrong with that. Besides he couldn’t be any worse than your beloved Goal less Rooney right now. He is a presence in the AREA, you know that square thing just in front of the goal, that not many of our strikers seem to be able to get into at the moment
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:44
He is certainly worth a whirl, we don’t have that bog power house style forward, a la, dare I say Drogba.
I am sceptical simply because of his age (25) and the fact he has never played in a major league, bar seven games in Greece. But he is worth a run out hopefully tonight, and if he gets off to a good start you never know…..
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:48
@Craig Mc: I’m not being sanctimonious, I’m just taking the piss out of the way that Manucho has been hyped up so ridiculously in the blogosphere.
I’m all for seeing the lad play, and I hope he’s a fantastic success for us, but I never believe someone is going to be good in the PL until I see them play in the PL. Guys with much bigger reps and better track records than Manucho have fallen flat, so I’m just not getting my hopes up.
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:50
@maroon 14: Thanks mate. I just took a break from it all and decided to relieve the stress I was receiving from a few individuals on this blog who have been really good at getting under my skin. Truthfully, I just needed a break from it all a bit. I never went on holidays but not stressing out or ranting about United’s terrible start to the season was very therapeutic. It’s good to be back though and once again thanks to you and others for your warm and very appreciated welcome back. It feels great to be appreciated and the sentiment is reciprocated, believe me.
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:55
@Penguin: Well, let’s hope he doesn’t fall flat. I reckon he might do well, but not enough to feature consistently for us in our big games, but good enough to attract a sizeable transfer after a couple of years.. honestly.
What do you think about our AMF situation? Should we try out the potential candidates tonite? - Ando, Possebon. Might give us an idea on where we stand in that position and if we need to strengthen it in the coming transfer periods.
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:56
@Penguin: I’m with you mate. Never have I seen more wind and hot air being exhaled over an enigma like I have for Manucho. Really people, who or what in God’s green Earth is a Manucho? Much ado about nothing I’m afraid. I’ll reserve my praise for the guy once I actually see him play a game for us and once I see him do well. Until then he doesn’t even exist.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:11
@Gabriel: I do hope he doesn’t fall flat. I don’t want the guy to fail, I just want people to have the whole thing in perspective.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:19
@Penguin: Oh and Penguin, why did Mike Phelan say on sky news today that Manucho was in the squad of 20 if he is still injured with metatasal?. I don’t get it?.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:25
Nice article RR. I agree with you 100% and especially on your comments on why Neville started over Brown. I think by now Wes has earned the respect of all of us and he certainly has won that position over Neville who for me should go ply his trade with a lesser team or retire. Thanks skip for the years of service and the loyalty but there comes a time when we all need to know when to hang it up. Oh and by the way, take Scholsey and Giggsy with you and don’t let the door hit you on the way out. I know that’s an impossibility because none of you are quick enough to avoid the door.
I also have to commend you on your observation of Fletcher and Hargo. Fletcher has been a revelation and I love the fact he has this new found aggressive side to him that not only attacks, but also shows ambition coupled with imagination. His passes on Sunday at times were highly inventive and very continental in their style. Certainly not what I have become used to from Fletch in past years. I ‘ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am finding it very difficult to keep this lad off my starting eleven. He has earned my respect and admiration. Hargo is Hargo. It should be nobody’s surprise that he is my favorite United player and after all, we Canadians have to stick together. Many seemed unimpressed with Hargo on Sunday but considering his lack of fitness and health, I thought he played very well from a defensive point of view. He offered very little up the flanks offensively but his defensive work really shut out both Ass Coles from being a threat down our right side. When fully healthy this lad is true God. Here’s hoping he gets fully healthy soon. Also, I am getting tired seeing good players sit and John O’Shea continually brought in to play a position he is not good at. Forgive me Fergie but I am sure that either Fletcher shifting in more or bringing in Anderson would have been better than O’Shea and would still have given us some offensive ambition. O’Shea is nothing more than a backup at LB or CB and he should never be used as a DMF.
I am getting very sick and very tired of Fergie’s growing cowardice and elevated show of respect for our top opponents. Whenever we play Liverpool, Chelsea etc, we seem to play a like a bunch frightened children in the second half. We fall back and defend with 10 men behind the ball. This is not the United way and this is no way to instill fear in our opponents. I’d rather lose 3-4 at the Bridge and know I scared the bloody bejesus out of Chelsea than crawl and defend for that useless point we got. Yes a tie is better than a loss but not when it decreases your confidence and morale, not to mention your self esteem. I’m not advocating careless offensive football like the kind Tottenham are famous for. I just feel we need to let the opposition know we are the champions and that they need to respect and fear us, not the other way around. We seem to do this for the first 20 minutes in these games and then we lose our courage, boldness in attack as well as our fitness. How on Earth can we be so unfit at this stage of the season? And why?
For a couple of years now Fergie has incorporated a new tactic in his managerial arsenal which has brought him that all elusive 2nd Champions League trophy but has also destroyed the way we pay football. Fergie has gone Italian in his way of tactically preparing for games and for the way the team plays from one half to another and with a lead. It wreaks of Italian cowardice and defensive ambition with little room for fast flowing offensive football. How have we gone from Cantona to Catanaccio? Now we play that crappy style that was made famous against Barcelona last year in our domestic league too? Not acceptable I’m afraid. I want to see this team regain it’s offensive mojo and self confidence and the only way to do that is to get our boys match fit and to take the shackles and let them express their offensive game and movement. Enough already!
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:30
@Craig Mc: He hurt that Metatarsal before the pre season even began. Now even though I know Rooney is a quick healer, I would think that Manucho would have been fit for duty by now.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:30
@Grognard: Grog, for heavens sake Bro
. MAN-U-cho, as far as I can understand, hasn’t been hyped up by anyone, but people want to see him play and judje for themselves. I have seen him play, in African nations cup and Greece, and he did well. I don’t know how he will fare in the PL, but I sure as hell want to find out. If he does come good for us, I am going to send your Christmas present lady, wrapped in a Devilish red suit, with a MAN-U-Cho crown, and a pitch fork to stick in your arse as a constand reminder, so lets see if it happens 
. Otherwise your pressie will be dressed in Angelic white, with tassles in the right places, and a big red Christmas Bow around the juicy boobs area 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:37
@Grognard: I agree with you except for the last paragraph of your comment. It’s over the top language you use at times like this that makes me scratch my head. How can you say Fergie has destroyed our football when we scored more goals than anyone over the past couple of seasons? We averaged over two goals a game over the past two years — clearly not catenaccio stuf.
You used tactics used in Europe and those of a select few games (and mostly against worthy opposition) as examples and blew it out of proportion to generalize it to him completely destroying our football. I’m sorry but that makes no sense to me.
And regarding tactically preparing our team, you must realise that the person who was tactically preparing our team was someone everyone is calling out for — i.e., Carlos Queiroz.
In Europe you need to grind out wins — that was the lesson Fergie learned from past failures. Even Arsenal — who went to the final three seasons ago — did that by keeping men behind the ball and lumping hopeful balls upfield to Henry.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:41
Just in case I missed something, was there a reason given for the fact that SAF picked Neville over Brown in the starting 11 despite the fact that Brown has been absolutely stellar for us at RB? Just wondering, because I couldnt have seen a worse time to throw on someone struggling to get to match fitness over the rock that is Brown.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:48
Grog, I just has a sudden flash thought, don’t you come back to my previous post with a “Feckin marvelous Craig, I hope Manucho doesn’t do well, cos I fancy the hell out of the Devil lady in Red”. Well pitchforks are a turn on
. Wouldn’t put it past you , I know you so well 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:04
@Red Ranter: And exactly how many goals did we score against the big teams, especially on the road? We fill the net against Newcastle and Birmingham etc but against Chelsea we play like a bunch of pussies afraid of coming out of our bedrooms. Caution has become Fergie’s mantra and I for one don’t care for it. I want to see us come out and attack or Hell, even counter attack with speed, passion, imagination and free movement. Play like Zenit does. Show no fear and take it to your opponent for 90 minutes. Chelsea have never been more vulnerable and prepared for defeat than they were last Sunday. Past United teams would have taken it to them in that situation. Instead we showed that we were in more disarray and rolling around like a ball of confusion instead. We lack confidence and security on the field because our manager doesn’t seem to know what style or tactics we should play and how to unleash the best in us. We are playing with uncertainty and fear.
Sorry mate but that’s just the way it looks to me. It may seem over the top to you but to me it is totally grounded and can be backed up. 80 goals last season is a nice haul but lets take those 4 goal games out of the equation for a second because none of them came against the good teams. The one game where I honestly think we played like champions against top opposition in the EPL was our home game against Liverpool. We blew it at Stamford Bridge, let Arsenal off the hook at the Emirates and stole a game we didn’t deserve at Anfield. We sucked at White Heart Lane and at Pompey and thank God we always have poor Villa to kick around as Marty hasn’t figured out the recipe for beating us yet. And lets not forget Barcelona and how poor we looked against Roma a full year after beating them 7-1. At the end of it all we got most of the points and the trophies but did we entertain against the big teams? I think not. I personally think we play negative, bland and boring football against the good teams. Those few games in a season are magnified greatly because of their meaning and rivalry aspects. And Queiroz does nothing without Fergie’s OK. Fergie still calls the shots and I think the negative stuff is his to bare. He is to blame for the single handedly destroying Wayne Rooney as well. And still I love the Gaffer but he is making me feel a great deal of frustration. There is nothing I hate more than second guessing or questioning him but if there was ever a year to do that, it will be this one. Trust me, I have a bad feeling about this.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:06
@Red Ranter: Oh and I do understand the need to play like that on the road in the Champions League but one should never play like that in the EPL. NEVER.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:07
@Craig Mc: Whether it’s red or white, she sounds awfully kinky. I can’t wait. Got to love Christmas.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:10
@Craig Mc: Yes it’s true mate, I’m one sick fucking bastard and I’ll try anything. Just don’t send me a church lady spouting creation like Sarah Palin. That MILF is my worst nightmare. To quote her, “Thanks, but no thanks”. Anything to test my ticky ticker a bit.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:16
@Red Ranter: It is probably worthwhile to note that we had the best record of the top four in head to head clashes last season and that we remained unbeaten throughout the CL campaign. While you might argue that the methods applied are not the most attractive or swashbuckling they were, by and large, effective.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:23
Is it just me thinkin that we should start with as near a full strength squad as possible? Everyone’s complaining about fitness and all, why not use the 1st team players who are unfit and then some others so as to raise fitness levels and more importantly, Team Chemistry? This is not as much an easy game as some are reckoning, Boro will put a strong side out. These clubs don’t get genuine chances at major titles often and i’d like to think they won’t be taking this one and United for granted.
Let’s use this as a confidence booster for the team. We’re playing at home against a prem team, why not field an experienced side that will get a comfortable win that can spur the lads on to a streak? We have been playing averagely for some time, and I think this match should be used as an opportunity to raise our performance level.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:23
@RDJ: Yeah, you’re right mate! But I’d checked the Zee timings yesterday and it said they were showing Swansea vs. Cardiff. Well, I don’t care why they changed it, I’m glad they did! Hopefully they’ll show the OT match itself.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:30
it does my nut when people call it the EPL.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:33
@Gabriel: I agree we are not playing well, and it would give Rooney/Tevez and Berbatov a chance to gel, and Berba more match time in a bid to get his fitness up.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:36
@Grognard: Very rarely do you see breath taking football when two very good teams meet these days. The stakes are extremely high, fear of defeat is also high. We played very well against Arsenal last year at the Emirates. We played very well against Liverpool at home. We played very well against Chelsea at home when we won 2-0. Against good teams if you don’t dig deep you will get slaughtered.
Fergie saw that against Milan. And he learned better from that. I am happy with the way we ground out results and I hope Fergie does not change that. Against the big four, I feel the approach has been justified considering our relative lack of hard men in central midfield. That said we haven’t been the dour defensive unit you make us out to be, but I think we found a fine middle path. That was last season… that side wouldn’t have lost this season’s Anfield game and wouldn’t have lost to Chelsea like the way we lost on Sunday.
@JB: Yes I agree.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:37
RR, Attractive and swashbuckling play has defined Manchester United for 50 years. I’d also rather drive to work in style rather than take a bus. Either way I get to work but how you get there should matter. After all this is the entertainment business and watching United away to Barcelona last year and away to Liverpool and Chelsea this year has been far from entertaining. United fans have become accustomed to a certain style of play and an attacking fearless attitude. Where has that gone? It will probably return but not unless the Gaffer changes his ways in the process.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:39
Spot on Red Ranter ! 100% agree
While I was watching the firs half I thought “Hey we ‘re gonna score that second winning goal” ….When I saw that berba-chicky-pass I thought “DAMN! We re not gonna win this”
Of course the great Chelsea midfield did the job again.They are hardworking but in their home they are THE MOST HARD WORKING.Of course O’Shea,SAF,Rooneys nerves and Ronaldo’s stupidity were something that costed us , but Chelsea deserved one goal at least.
Some said 2-2 before the game and after the game you can see it’s a 1-1 2-1 1-2 or 2-2 game.
CLASSIC!
DERBY!
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:40
@jstar7: Why??? EPL…BPL…what’s the difference?
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:41
@Gabriel: We should never waste our best players for the Carling Cup. I couldn’t care less about the Carling Cup. This is a tournament perfectly designed for the Twins, Manucho, Possebon, Welbeck, Cleverley and others to impress. Let them play and gather much valued experience. Our best players are already looking tired and knackered. Let them rest and prepare for EPL games and CL games that matter. Hell, I don’t even care about the FA Cup until we are in the semi-final stage.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:41
when will be the line-up against boro be released?
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:42
@jstar7: That’s what it is mate, the English Premier League. All over the world it’s known as the EPL because the rest of the world prefers to use the word English over British.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:43
“I’m disappointed that Manucho hasn’t recovered completely from a metatarsal injury, this would have been a good opportunity to look at him and Welbeck in combination. Nevertheless, my team will add up to a strong side capable of winning.” -sir alex
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:48
@Grognard: Yes it’s the entertainment business, but it’s not WWE where things can be scripted. Swashbuckling is good, but it needs to evolve to find a fine balance too. Which I think we had last season.
It’s ok to expect the best out of your team, but it’s also important to accept human failings when things don’t always go the right way. If a third person was to see this conversation we’re having for instance without knowledge of context, he would think we were Arsenal and not the European and English champions.
But I understand we both cannot come to a common ground here because I am realistic in terms of my expectations for my club. I can accept it if we go trophyless this season because I feel grateful for what we’ve enjoyed over the past many years. I shudder to think of the 30 barren years a lot of fans had to live through before Fergie brought the title and feel thankful that I was too young to see that phase.
Anyway enough of my rambling… got to get back to work.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:50
@Grognard: @antsBoy: its not that id rather it be called BPL…I just would prefer we call it the Premier League…but its just a personal thing. never worry, call it what you want.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:53
@jstar7: here in south east asia its called the bpl..
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:54
@Grognard: “Our best players are already looking tired and knackered.”
Who looks tired and knackered may I ask? Berba did, Hargo did, Ronnie did, Park did. After 60min! Due to lack of match fitness. And that’s EXACTLY why they all should play atleast some part in the game tonight.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:55
@Red Ranter: I’m not disagreeing with you about how hard these matches are. That is no excuse however to set up the fortress and defend while showing very little ambition after 20 minutes. We are champions and champions should play and represent themselves like champions, not minnows just trying to survive. We have become obsessed with the result and have forgotten about substance and style. Football above all should be entertaining and attractive. Yes winning is the bottom line but Jose Mourinho and Chelsea have shown how unattractive that can look. United and Fergie are better than this. He used to take pride in how we won, not just that we won. But in his old age he has become obsessed with just winning alone. I’ve got a little more artist in me to tolerate or accept that frame of mind. Hopefully he will come to his senses and he will open things up for the boys to truly express themselves. But then again, when you have no creative central midfield, that does cause you problems in your attacking scheme.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:00
@Grognard: But this is quality opposition who are desperate for a good run in any cup competition they are in!! Let’s not take them for granted. We should give Ronaldo, Nani, Rodrigo, Evans, Ando, Tevez and maybe Berbatov adequate time on the pitch. They need match sharpening and time in the team. Everyone talks about the Carling Cup as a mickey mouse trophy, but in a time when every club has expectations and trophies are scarce, I would not take any one for granted. The winners for the last four years have been from the top four, with Middlesborough the winners the year before that streak.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:06
@Gabriel: oops, I forgot Tottenham beat chelski last season!! It’s hard to fathom though, isn’t it, given the way they are playing at the mo…
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:15
@Grognard: Grog - Sarah Palin ????. Should I know this lady? :lol:. I just told the Girlfriend about your pressie. I said who do you send to the self confessed Prince of Darkness. She nearly choked on her cup o tea, and then laughed and said, I think brunette CLAD in all black leather should do it. Your a bad influence on my future Mrs , so you are Grog
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:18
Grog - errrr, I think we will be getting knuckles rapped and arses kicked, for going off topic
. Whats the odds, that RR will remind us that this is a football, not a feckin kink blog - 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:22
PS Grog, amazing how the saints on here, are sticking to the proper debate
. Ok folks, end of, Craig Mc over and out 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:26
@Craig Mc: HAHA! Ok Grog why dont you try Coleen? Then Wayne finds out and kicks you!
And then He starts scoring Crackers with Madness! 
And in the end you are ashamed of doubting him and in the END I take over your throne as the true King OF Darkness!
Its Brilliant!
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:30
Manucho! Who the HELL is he? The Angolian Pele! I would rather have Berbatov in the first team rather than him! Face it he will never be able to play his trade in the premierleague!
Was that Good Grognard, My Master?
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:40
@Red Diablo: grognard has a minion?
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:42
@cheeseburger o’shea: I will let my Sith Master of Ficking Darkness answer that!
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:49
@Red Diablo:
, Diablo, do you write novels in your spare time?.
Diablo, WTF, MAN-U-Cho will show you and Grog, and kick your arses into Kingdom come
. He’s the man, and to PISS Penguin off big time, he’s the next Pele, better than DrogBRA, and Maradona, Cruyff, and any other dummy who thinks himself the best in the world, APART from Maestro Ronnie (when he is fit and on form that is), CR7 the TRUE worlds best. He will shine better than Take That’s song. Nobody can come close to him. He will show Rooney up for the non striker he is. He will kick the Roon’s arse to Man Sheiky, where Colleen and he can make millions for doing fuck all, instead of robbing United by doing fuck all 
. We should make a song for all Red Rant Rooney lovers, that says he will be ousted by the MAN-U-Cho 
. By now, all the Roon lovers should be pissed off enough. So RR its Craig Mc over and out 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:52
@cheeseburger o’shea: What do you mean by a MINION Bro
. Truly I’m intrigued 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:54
@Craig Mc: About the Novel stuff! I do write 600 word essays and compositions for my GCSE O Level Preperation!
And to top it all off I AM the best in the ENG Class!
And about Manucho! My Master will chop you and i will deliver the killing blow!
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:55
@Craig Mc: Minion! This is not an army! It is only me, the Apprentice and MY SITH Master! Darth Fucking Darkness!
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:57
@Craig Mc: a follower,
lol maybe red diablo will be next in line for grog’s throne. 
why are you intrugued then? 
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:58
@Red Diablo: sorry for using minion, i should have used heir to the grog’s throne.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:58
@Red Diablo: Grognard, you follow, shall you?
Beware of the dark side I say. Anger…fear…aggression. The dark side of the Force he is. You must unlearn what you have learned. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will… 
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:58
team news?
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:00
@Gabriel: Ok Gabriel Bro, playtime over. Now to the serious stuff Bro
. I agree with you. It is hard to believe that Spurs beat Chelsea last season, the way they are playing this season. But they are not the same team are they?. Yet I will be eternally grateful for the spurs win last season, ‘cos they helped us get the PL AGAIN. Come on you spurs, but not when your playing against the Man Utd champions.
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:02
@Gabriel: O my God Gabriel, I’m afraid
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:02
Ok guys, off to the see the game. Talk again later.
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:03
Does anyone know what channel its on in Britain and Ireland?
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:12
TEAM FUCKING NEWS MAN!!… im sorry im so bored right now, team news will probably be the most exciting part of my evening. i hope welbeck plays.
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:19
@antsBoy: I’m pretty sure they would. After all, no offence intended but who’d want to see cardiff vs swansea?
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:20
Team News:
GK: Amos
RB: Rafael
CB: Brown
CB: Vidic
LB: O’shea
RM: Nani
CM: Andershon
CM: Possebon
LM: Giggs
ST: Ronaldo
ST: Welbeck
Subs: Zieler, Gray, Eckersley, Gibson, Cleverley, Manucho, Tevez
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:23
Team news anybody*cough JB cough* ?